A small cruise ship that ran aground last spring did so under the watch of a 22-year-old navigator fresh out of a maritime academy with no formal knowledge of Alaska waters, according to federal investigators.

The Curse of the Golden Flower is the year's most operatic and visually lavish film. Using the most vibrant, luminous colors imaginable, it most captivates with its elaborate production design, multilayered and intricate gilded costumes and stunning camera angles.

On the Seas column: You've heard it beforeget your tickets now because space is limited. This overused expression is often a ploy to get you to book an overpriced trip. However, in the case of Bermuda, cruise ship berths are limited, and if you don't book now, you may be disappointed.

In an exclusive chat with Kermit the Frog (with some help from Muppets writer Jim Lewis), the green star reveals he's "thrilled" to be playing the role of the Scarecrow in ABC's upcoming May sweeps movie, The Muppets' Wizard of Oz, airing Friday, May 20, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Health and travel industry officials are cautioning vacationers about a seasonal rise in illnesses associated with the highly contagious and hard-to-kill stomach bug known as norovirus. And, in several cases, cruise companies are waiving cancellation penalties and telling already-ill tourists to stay home rather than infect fellow travelers.